Medical Assistant Schools & Programs in Rhode Island

If you're interested in learning more about medical assistant programs in Rhode Island, there are a variety different program options to consider—including diplomas, certificates and degree programs.

Medical assistants perform tasks that are clinical and/or administrative like prepping patients for x-rays, changing bandages, answer phones, and schedule patients’ appointments. Before we get into education information for medical assistants in Rhode Island, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state...

Rhode Island General Education Information and Data[vii]

There are 12 four-year institutions in Rhode Island, compared to the national average of 56

There is 1 two-year institution compared to the national average of 33

The national average for total male fall enrollment is 171,951 and Rhode Island has 37,331

The total female fall enrollment in Rhode Island is 47,342 while the national average is 228,592

F.A.Q.'s for Medical Assistants in Rhode Island

What are the medical assisting job and earning statistics from Rhode Island?

There are currently 2,620 medical assistants employed in Rhode Island.[i]

There are 2,050 projected jobs by 2022, which is a 13 % increase and approximately 60 annual job openings.[ii]

Where do medical assistants work?

Medical assistants usually work in physician's offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that involve working with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Did you know Rhode Island boasts several hospitals ranked by U.S. News and World Report? The Miriam Hospital is even ranked as high performing in both geriatrics and gastroenterology & GI surgery.

Top 2 Regionally Ranked Hospitals in Rhode Island:

Miriam Hospital

Newport Hospital

What salary information is available ;for specific metro areas of Rhode Island?

The highest (90th%) and lowest (10th%) annual mean salary for medical assistants in each of these metro areas is as follows: [i]

Metro Area

Lowest 10th% Salary

Highest 90th% Salary

Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI-MA

$24,850

$39,130

What is the annual mean 10th percentile wage for other health related fields in Rhode Island?

Medical Billing & Coding: $26,040[iii]

EMT (emergency medical technician): $25,920[iv]

Pharmacy Technician: $21,140[v]

CNA (certified nursing assistant): $20,800[vi]

How do I earn a medical assistant certification in Rhode Island?

While certification may not be required, many employers prefer hiring job candidates who have their certificate or diploma. With options like attending school a community college, vocational school, or university in Rhode Island, why not look into a medical assisting program now? We may be able to help you! The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five certifications for medical assistants.

Below are a few related fields that do require state licensure:

Dental Hygienist:[viii] Requires certification via the RI Department of Health. Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist and provide patient care such as removing stains from patients’ teeth, developing x-ray film, and instructing patients about proper oral hygiene. Visit http://www.health.ri.gov/licenses/healthcare/index.php for more information.

Nurse Aide:[ix] Requires certification from the RI Department of Health. Nurse aides provide health care, personal care, and assistance to patients while being supervised by nursing and medical staff. More information can be found at http://www.health.ri.gov/licenses/healthcare/index.php.

What medical assisting professional organizations are there in Rhode Island?

As a medical assistant graduate from a program in Rhode Island, you may want to think about joining a professional organization. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) has information about recertification, a career center, news, volunteering, and more on their site at http://www.aama-ntl.org/index. The American Medical Technologists (AMT) also offers information regarding certification, publications, member benefits, and a career connection on their website (http://www.americanmedtech.org/Home.aspx).

Deciding to pursue an education in medial assisting may be an exciting choice for you. To help you, take a look at our partner schools below in Rhode Island that have medical assisting programs. Remember, you are not alone in this process and while certification may not be required, many employers prefer hiring certified job candidates.